Hospital Elder Life Program Assistant

Overview

The Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP) Program Assistant is an integral HELP Team member and provides administrative clerical, as well as clinical duties, to support the daily operations of the Hospital Elder Life Program. The HELP Program Assistant is responsible for screening for and enrolling patients appropriate for HELP services; assisting with volunteer orientation and continuing education; marketing and outreach for HELP; participates in conducting the Virtual Dementia Tour (VDT); maintaining the HELP office space, supplies, and equipment; collecting, entering, and mining HELP patient data; providing HELP interventions to patients; and performing other duties as assigned by the HELP Coordinator.

Why UnityPoint Health?

At UnityPoint Health, you matter. We’re proud to be recognized as a Top 150 Place to Work in Healthcare by Becker's Healthcare several years in a row for our commitment to our team members.  

Our competitive Total Rewards program offers benefits options that align with your needs and priorities, no matter what life stage you’re in.  Here are just a few:      

• Expect paid time off, parental leave, 401K matching and an employee recognition program.   

• Dental and health insurance, paid holidays, short and long-term disability and more. We even offer pet insurance for your four-legged family members.  

• Early access to earned wages with Daily Pay, tuition reimbursement to help further your career and adoption assistance to help you grow your family.   

With a collective goal to champion a culture of belonging where everyone feels valued and respected, we honor the ways people are unique and embrace what brings us together.  

And, we believe equipping you with support and development opportunities is a vital part of delivering an exceptional employment experience. 

Find a fulfilling career and make a difference with UnityPoint Health. 

Responsibilities

The Hospital Elder Life Program Assistant supports both the clinical and administrative operations of the Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP), helping improve the well-being of older adult patients while coordinating program activities and volunteer engagement.

Clinical & Patient Care (50%)

• Provide direct support and interventions for patients enrolled in HELP.
• Promote patient mobility, cognitive engagement, comfort, and functional well-being.
• Assist patients with mobility, activities, meals, and relaxation interventions.
• Collaborate with nurses, volunteers, and other care team members to support patient needs.
• Follow safety, infection prevention, and patient handling practices.
• Support scheduling and delivery of the Virtual Dementia Tour educational program.

Administrative Support (25%)

• Support daily HELP program operations.
• Screen and enroll eligible patients into the program.
• Maintain patient records, care plans, patient lists, and program data in the EMR and other systems.
• Coordinate communication among patients, volunteers, and HELP team members.
• Manage program supplies, equipment, and resources.
• Assist with outreach, recruitment, and marketing activities.

Volunteer Development & Education (25%)

• Assist with volunteer orientation, training, and continuing education.
• Support volunteer competency validation and compliance requirements.
• Maintain communication with volunteers and help coordinate schedules.
• Contribute to volunteer recruitment and engagement efforts to ensure adequate program coverage.

Additional Expectations

• Collect, enter, and analyze program and patient data.
• Maintain HIPAA compliance and regulatory standards.
• Demonstrate strong communication, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills.
• Support UnityPoint Health values and provide compassionate, patient-centered service

Qualifications

Education

• High school diploma or GED required.

Experience

• Prior healthcare clinical and support experience is required.
• Experience working with older adults (65+) preferred.

Certifications

• Must possess and maintain current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification or obtain certification within three (3) months from date of hire.
• Mandatory reporter training for child abuse and dependent adult abuse required based on state regulations.
• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification preferred. 

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications. 
• Knowledge of medical terminology. 
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and organizational needs.
• Knowledge of Epic or other electronic medical record (EMR) systems preferred.